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House Committee Passes Association Health Plan Bill
The nation’s home builders applauded passage of the “Small Business Health Fairness Act” (H.R. 525) by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on March 16, noting that the association health plan legislation would help alleviate the rising number of the uninsured and the high cost of health care.
“Skyrocketing health care costs over the past decade have driven many small businesses out of the health insurance market entirely, forcing them to abandon coverage for their employees,” said NAHB President David Wilson. “H.R. 525 provides the right remedy. It would decrease administrative costs and allow small business owners to negotiate better rates with insurers, enabling them to purchase quality health care at a lower cost for their families and employees.”
Championed by Reps. John Boehner (R-Ohio), Sam Johnson (R-Texas), Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.) and Albert Wynn (D-Md.), the legislation would help small businesses access greater health insurance options and lower premiums.
“Association health plans would provide a shot in the arm for small businesses seeking to obtain stable and affordable health coverage for their employees. We urge the full House to promptly consider this measure and for the Senate to act on similar legislation (S. 406) that is now pending,” said Wilson.
To read the legislation, click here and enter the bill number in the box at the upper left.
For more information, e-mail Michael Strauss at NAHB or call him at 800-368-5242 x8252.
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